Falcons 2023 Offseason Overhaul: EDGE

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This position has needed an overhaul for years, probably since John Abraham was in town. The Falcons still have some cap space to work with up to this point, as we’ve only spent $62 million. I also plan on using multiple draft picks to address the position. All figures are via Over The Cap.

If you want to check out my articles from my previous offseason series — One Free Agent, One Draft Pick, and One Trade — those will be linked below:

Previous editions of this series are listed below:

Current Rostered Edge Rushers

EDGE Arnold Ebiketie

EDGE DeAngelo Malone

EDGE Ade Ogundeji

The Falcons have some work to do; the good news is that they have a couple of young building blocks in place. I think Atlanta should seriously consider bringing Lorenzo Carter back, and they can make a splash in free agency or use their draft picks.

Re-Sign Lorenzo Carter

With a pretty lackluster class in free agency for pass rushers, I’m fine bringing back Lorenzo Carter to be part of this rotation. There really isn’t anyone available worth throwing a bag at, so Atlanta should save their money and go with the guy who led them in sacks with… four. I’d like him back on a two-year deal with a raise.

Lorenzo Carter re-signs for two years, $10 million.

Draft Zach Harrison

I considered signing Charles Omenihu, but I’d rather save the money and use the picks. Here’s what I said about Harrison in my Offseason Mock Draft 1.0:

Harrison’s stock may have risen after a good Peach Bowl showing, but this is around where scouts have him going at the moment. I think his athletic upside makes him a worthy pick for a team that has a pass rush that is almost nonexistent. Harrison can be a little stiff at times, but he’s a great athlete with the length and build you want in a pass rusher. He does need some seasoning and coaching, so hopefully the Falcons get a few guys to patch up the pass rush while he develops. At worst, he’s a rotational piece on a team that doesn’t have much of a rotation. At best, he’s a gem in the third round.

Hopefully, the Falcons hit on an edge rusher or two in this draft with a meager free agent class.

The Falcons draft Harrison with pick 76

Draft Dylan Horton

The TCU standout was also featured in the Offseason Mock Draft 1.0:

Even if the Falcons upgrade their pass rush in free agency, they still need a few young bodies to groom and get into the rotation. Dylan Horton played the game of his life against Michigan in the Fiesta Bowl, notching four sacks and forcing a fumble. At 6’4, 275, he’s a guy you can play as a defensive lineman or cut some weight on and have him come off the edge. Horton’s effort is evident on tape, and he plays all over TCU’s defense.

The Falcons draft Dylan Horton with pick 110

Overhauled Pass Rush

EDGE Lorenzo Carter

EDGE Arnold Ebiketie

EDGE DeAngelo Malone

EDGE Zach Harrison

EDGE Dylan Horton

EDGE Ade Ogundeji

Although it may seem underwhelming, it’s a good start. When you can improve other areas of the defense with impact players, throwing all of your money at one position because you need it is unwise. The Falcons can still improve their pass rush by improving their secondary and defensive front, opening up opportunities for these young guys to cut their teeth.

Current Roster: 36

QB Desmond Ridder

QB Taylor Heinicke

RB Tyler Allgeier

RB Cordarrelle Patterson

RB Justin Jackson 

RB Avery Williams

RB Caleb Huntley

WR Drake London

WR Allen Lazard

WR Ronnie Bell

WR Olamide Zaccheaus

WR Frank Darby

TE Kyle Pitts

TE Darnell Washington

TE MyCole Pruitt

TE Parker Hesse

OL Jake Matthews

OL Nate Davis

OL Drew Dalman

OL Chris Lindstrom

OL Kaleb McGary

OL Elijah Wilkinson

OL Matt Hennessy

OL Jarrett Patterson

OL Ryan Neuzil

DL Grady Jarrett

DL Javon Hargrave

DL Ta’Quon Graham

DL Abdullah Anderson

DL Byron Young

EDGE Lorenzo Carter

EDGE Arnold Ebiketie

EDGE DeAngelo Malone

EDGE Zach Harrison

EDGE Dylan Horton

EDGE Ade Ogundeji

Draft Picks Remaining

  • Round 1, Pick 8
  • Round 5, Pick 155 (from JAX)
  • Round 7, Pick 226 (from LV)

2023 Cap Space Allotted: $61 Million

Quarterback: -$6 million

Running Back: $900k

Wide Receiver: $19.5 million

Tight End: $1.9 million

Offensive Line: $27.5 million

Defensive Line: $12.2 million

EDGE: $5 million

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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire

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